Hello, friends! Remember when I used to blog? Me too. I loved blogging. I still do. And I miss it. So, here’s the story…

This year has been H-A-R-D. I lost my Nana, and I watched the majority of my spring and summer slip away as I faced a health scare. I was worried about all of the things all of the time, and I found myself crying in the pool on the last day of vacation because I did not want to go home to more visits with doctors and further testing. It should be noted that this pool had water slides and kids around. Y’all. Oh my word. However, I’m so, so happy to say I’m just fine, and I’m very lucky because I’m surrounded by friends and family who made sure I kept smiling.

I’ve wished for 2015 to end and 2016 to begin (like, now!) countless times. This year became less about goals and more about surviving and the power that happens when you just.keep.going. As we near the close of 2015, I believe I’ve done it; I’ve survived. But, I think I’ve done a bit more.

My cousin and I were just talking about how this year became the year of yes…to everything. I worked with more couples and more clients than I ever have. And while I may have been really tired as wedding season came to a close, I loved serving each couple at every wedding. I’m endlessly proud of the arrangements I’ve designed for couples, styled shoots, grand openings, and unsuspecting nurses who deserve awards for kindness. :) I’m so grateful to the creative business owners I’ve worked with (and continue to work with!) who have allowed me to ask so many questions in order to write copy that tells their authentic story. Everything I have done has brought me joy and kept me busy during a year when thinking about myself only brought on more worry. I’m excited to enter 2016 with a goal of living and adventuring so much more again. Basically, I’m excited to be myself again to the fullest sans scares (please and thanks).

Creative @ Heart deserves it’s own blog post, which I do plan to write because I spent two days with Simply Jessica Marie, Heart Love Weddings, and Callie Beale Photography. However, the photos that were captured at the conference sum up this year so well. Guys, I had such a terrible cold when these were taken. I thought about skipping the photo session entirely because what good can come from a session in which you are super sick? However, sometimes photographers work miracles and capture you in moments when you don’t look like you’re thinking about the medicine you’re about to go find just after a quick stop at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit post session. And then they tell you afterward that they had no idea you weren’t well. What? As I looked at the photos more, I realized why I really like them – they represent 2015 and the girl who just kept going. Thank you for this and more, Alicia Lacey Photography!

Up next: two styled shoots, a grand opening, and more that are all happy! Stayed tuned + thanks so much for sticking with me during a year when I sometimes felt uninspired to write for myself and solely wanted to write, work, and style for others. xoxo

Happy Friday, friends! My biggest goal for this weekend (aside from taking time away from my computer and my phone) is to go skiing. I started skiing about five years ago, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite things to do. It’s also one of the only things I like about the winter…except Christmas and New Year’s Eve. ;)

I haven’t shared some of the links I’ve been loving in such a long time, so it seems as though this post is long overdue! Because my goal is to inspire you on Fridays (and always if possible), these links all have that quality. A few videos, an inspiration shoot, and a very simple way to save in 2014. Woo!

P&G Thank You, Mom | Pick Them Back Up:

If I haven’t told you already, I’m completely obsessed with the Olympics. I love every.single.thing about them. I’ll watch any sport for any length of time, and I can never decide whether I love the Summer or Winter Olympics more. Naturally, I love commercials having to do with the Olympics. I always find them inspiring, and P&G can do no wrong. My mom is one of my biggest supporters, and this commercials gives me chills every time I see it.

Microsoft | Celebrating the Heroic Women of 2013:

I happened to catch this commercial during the Golden Globes last weekend, and I was glued. First, #girlpower. Second, “Brave” by Sara Bareilles is playing. Third, the actions of these people are truly astonishing and so very inspiring. The power of just being yourself is so evident in everything they’ve done. LOVE IT.

Ellie Goulding | Burn:

This song is all over the radio, and I’m not complaining at all. I love it. I’m declaring that it’s my theme song for 2014 because I always feel so pumped up and ready to make things happen when it plays. “‘Cause we got that fire, fire, fire…And we’re gonna let it burn, burn, burn.” Yes.

Naturally, I have to include this photo shoot. Because it’s mine. ;) Organizing, designing, and styling this photo shoot was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I loved every minute of it. Maybe not every minute, like moving it three times because of rain. I was the best kind of sore at the end of the day, and I knew I had given everything I had. I also realized I want to coordinate, design, and style events of any kind forever. There’s more behind-the-scenes info right here, plus the entire shoot is right here. Take a peek?

Full disclosure: I don’t always save as much money each year as I would like to. But I do believe in making every attempt to try as hard as I can to make sure I am investing in myself and my future goals (…or for when my car needs to be repaired unexpectedly.) I love Carly’s schedule for saving during 2014! It’s so simple to follow, and it makes saving money seem far less daunting. A few adjustments I’m making: I reversed the order of the schedule because I have more money available during the beginning of the year than I do during the holiday season (I added $52 to my savings account during the first week of January rather than $1 and so forth). Also, although the point is to save each week, as the amounts lessen I plan to total up the lesser amounts and place a lump sum in my account rather than $10, $9, $8, $7, etc as the year winds to a close. A final tip: make a note about what the money is for as you save it into your savings account. Oh, and open a savings account if you don’t already have one!

I’ve hinted at the photo shoot I styled over the summer so. many. times. in part because it was one of the best days ever. Why am I talking about it now…finally? Because Brunch & Bows is featured on Heart Love Weddings today! Please go take a peek! I am just so excited to finally share this day. Plus, I opened an Etsy shop yesterday where I’m selling a few of the items I designed for my shoot as well as a few inspired by it. What? Yes. This day rules. :)

Now for a bit of the why behind Brunch & Bows…

I poured my heart and soul into the design, and I thought of my entire concept on a walk in the middle of May after trying to brainstorm something new and different (and not necessarily a representation of my aesthetic) for far too long. I thought of pink and gold…and BOWS. These colors and details are things that I love at my core. I also decided on my event: a backyard brunch thrown by a bride in honor of her bridesmaids who have stood by her as she planned her wedding and who will stand by her again as she recites her vows and becomes a Mrs. I focused on designing some of the items myself (napkins, champagne flutes, garlands, and vases) and using what I had at home – my Nana’s lace tablecloth, my kitchen table, and my favorite vintage style dresser – to create a space that was both beautiful and affordable. I love pink and gold. I love bows. And I love making others feel special.

This photo shoot is special to me for so many reasons in part because of the friends I collaborated with: Amanda from Swoon Over It photographed every detail, Sarah created all of the stationery, and McKay made the adorable favor – a pink seersucker bow clutch. These ladies are WONDERFUL.

To see the rest of the shoot (there’s so much more!), please head over to Heart Love Weddings. Thank you so much for featuring me, Alexandra! And, please visit my new shop too!

P.S: I may or may not have left my bow garlands in the tree for a few days and sat and read under them (not strange…) because I just didn’t want to take them down. They were like magic (to me). :)

After a ton of searching, I finally found a chambray shirt I love at Old Navy a few weekends ago. The problem has not been being able to find chambray (there’s tons out there!), the problem has been finding a fit that doesn’t drown me. I’ve already worn chambray a couple of times since my purchase, so I would say mission accomplished. ; )

There are so many different ways to style chambray from business casual to a look perfect for the weekend, and I’ve covered three of my favorites on Heart Love Weddings. You can see the whole feature right here!

The awesome thing about bucket lists is being presented with the opportunity to check something off. One of the items on my bucket list was attending bridal market or bridal fashion week just once. Last year, I checked that item off. While I was there, I felt like I had found “my people”. Have you ever felt that way? For four days, I felt like I was with a group where I truly belonged, and I became even more passionate about “making it” in the wedding industry. I knew I needed to attend bridal market again, and I’ve been twice since last year. Crazy.

Three weeks ago, I attended bridal market on behalf of Heart Love Weddings, and it was an experience I will never forget. I attended fashion shows and snapped photo after photo of gowns as models made their way down the runways, made appointments with designers and met with them on my own (something I never thought I would have the confidence to do had you asked me two years ago), and adventured through New York City. That town will never stop making me feel like Carrie Bradshaw. And I don’t want it to stop. Ever.

As a result of my adventure, I’ve detailed five of the biggest trends I saw at market on Heart Love Weddings, so please check them out! Pink is one of the big trends. Naturally, I’m really excited about that one. : )

As much as I love trends and dresses, there are two moments in particular that I will never forget. One of them is meeting Lori and Monte from “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta”. I saw them, debated about what to say, and then walked up and said to Lori, “I just have to tell you that I think you’re wonderful.” They are both so sweet and have such big hearts. Plus, Lori is a breast cancer surviver. She suggested that we take a picture, and I was over the moon about it. So much so that I started shaking when I walked away. And then there was the moment when bridal designer Anna Campbell suggested that I try on a gown while we were chatting about her latest collection. Unforgettable.

Thank you so much to Alexandra for inviting me to attend bridal market and report for Heart Love Weddings. I’ll never ever forget it. Don’t forget to hop over to her site to see the latest trends (and tons of photos of pretty dresses)!

Ready to take a fun poll? Yes?! Because who doesn’t love a fun poll or two…

Last weekend, my friend Amanda graciously spent her Saturday morning taking photos of me wearing Warby Parker glasses while we explored Princeton University’s campus. I felt like I was at Hogwarts in the best way possible. I’m ever so slightly obsessed with this brand, and I share the whole story on Heart Love Weddings along with a bunch of photos of me wearing each of the five pairs of glasses included in my Home Try-On box. I would love for you to check out the feature and then leave a comment on HLW telling me which pair you think looks best because (as usual) I’m ever so slightly undecided.

There are a handful of blogs I read every day. I truly look forward to seeing what these bloggers, photographers, and event planners post, and this week there have been a number of posts that have made it onto my favorites list. In order to tie your week together with a bow, I thought I would share them with you in case you’re looking for a fun weekend read (or a new blog to follow)!

Emily is one of my favorite photographers (she’s based in Chapel Hill, NC!), and she is giving away the sweet print above by Craft & Candor complete with my favorite lyric from The Lunineers. Make sure you enter here because it closes on Monday!

The College Prepster:

I’m a pretty fierce networker if I do say so myself. I used to be really, really shy (sometimes I still am!), but now I’m not afraid to introduce myself to new friends or professionals I’d love to get to know. This post from Carly Heitlinger (aka: The College Prepster) has great tips on how to network.

This post was the best surprise yesterday because I worked this wedding with my friend Katherine of Katherine Miller Events. Alyson and Brian are two of the most fun and genuine people, and their wedding was filled with a perfect fall palette and Kate Spade style for days. I will never forget their last dance of the night with their friends and family to “Shout!” They didn’t want the night to end, and honestly, neither did I. : )

Hey Gorgeous:

I have a thing for About pages and backstories. I love listening to how people arrived at their current position in life and business, and I’ve loved reading Rhi’s story. She’s one of the most creative event planners, and one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. There’s so much more that I want to say about my new Events & Styling tabs, but Rhi mentions why she added them in this week’s part of her story.

Another title for this post could be “just press send”. I talk a lot to my friends and family about how I send “blind e-mails.” I likely don’t know the person I’m sending it too. I never have any idea if they have any positions available. But I always know one thing: I adore the brand, and I would love to work with them in any way possible. Sometimes this works, and sometimes I never receive a reply.

Six months ago at Making Things Happen, I shared so many of my goals and dreams. One of the leaders, Gina Zeidler (love you, G!), mentioned to me a number of times that I should really contact Alexandra because she thought we might get along really well. So I did. And it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. We’ve become fast friends, and being involved with a brand I’ve loved and followed for so long is the greatest feeling.

It just so happens that today, just after the six month mark of attending MTH, my first post is live! I’m sharing a few of my favorite things, and I would love it if you popped over to see it. I’ll be posting twice a month on Heart Love Weddings, and I am so excited to start this new journey.

Whether you’re waiting to contact a friend, family member, or brand that you would love to work with, you should press send. You never know where it might take you.

A lot of exciting things are in the works as we speak, so I thought it would be fun to post an update about what I’ve been doing over the past couple of weeks!

I’ve mentioned it a few times, but in the middle of last month, I styled a photo shoot. I’m so happy with the way it turned out, and I cannot wait to see the final pictures (and hopefully get it published!) in the next couple of weeks. A quick peek from Instagram:

Last week, I was so fortunate to return to Kiawah (more about my favorite place here). I crave the ocean, and I needed to see it, swim in it, and go for long walks on the beach. I spent the day catching up with Ink Meets Paper (they are so lovely!), and I had an awesome lunch with Becky from Smitten Magazine. I wandered through Charleston with my mom and bought a Mason jar at Curiosity (aka: the prettiest shop ever). And I watched some of the prettiest sunsets. My heart belongs to Kiawah and Charleston.

My grandparents just celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. They immigrated to the US from England over 60 years ago, and they are my heroes with English accents. Fun fact: they receive a letter from the Queen of England each year in honor of their anniversary. Yes, you read that correctly. The Queen sends a letter. To my grandparents. Coolest mail EVER.

The thing I am most excited about though is the new Heart Love Weddings site because I’m a contributor! Alexandra has quickly become a really close friend, and I am so excited to work with her and her mom to create fun lifestyle content for her gorgeous brand. My first post will be live in the next couple of weeks! Make sure to check out the new HLW.

Last, but certainly not least, my local GAP hosted a #StyldBy event last night, and I was able to preview the new fall line (a la NYFW, but 10 minutes away instead of an hour and a half ; ). I picked up this dress and this scarf. And then GAP replied to one of my tweets on Twitter, which caused me to rearrange the dressing room in order to snap a quick picture. Such a fun night!

There will be so many more things to share soon, too! Even though the summer is my favorite season, and I struggle each year as it ends, I’m getting really excited for the fall!

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

P.S: New life goal – attend a show at New York Fashion Week. Kate Spade or J. Crew would be awesome. Please and thank you. : )

Although my name is actually Carly (I’m named after Carly Simon, and I love it!), in some cases it’s short for Caroline. Needless to say, growing up Caroline was always able to find her name when searching for a mug/keychain/license plate among the racks of all things personalized while I, on the other hand, typically came up empty handed. It’s a rough life when you’re a ten year old on the hunt for a fun vacation souvenir.

Years later, I still always stop and check to see if my name is available, but now one of my favorite ways to truly personalize my favorite things is with my monogram. I felt like I was living on the edge when I ordered my Emily Ley phone case a year ago (you can tell how daring I really am!), and I’ve been smitten with monograms ever since. From phone cases and clutches to trays and personalized tops perfect for weddings, here are some of my current monogram favorites:

I’ve always loved notebooks, and I love that May Designs has tons of options so you can not only add your monogram but also personalize your book for your exact purpose (think: journals, daily planners, wedding planners, etc). A giveaway may or may not be happening on Wednesday, so be sure to check back!

I ordered the Nautical Monogram bracelet from Swell Caroline as a gift for my best friend in honor of her grad school graduation, and it’s safe to say we’re both now obsessed with it!

Classic monogrammed white shirts are my favorite gift for brides to give to bridesmaids to wear while getting ready for the wedding. I also love that these can be worn long after the wedding is over too.

Place this monogrammed acrylic tray from Design Darling in your room to hold your jewelry, in your bathroom with your favorite perfumes, or on your coffee table. I’m a fan!

Watercolor designs are some of my favorites, and this monogrammed stationery from Nicole’s Etsy shop is perfect for writing notes to friends.

Emily Ley phone cases…need I say more? This striped option is definitely a favorite, and this is the case that started it all.

Fun fact: all of the members in my family have initials that spell words: C.A.T, J.E.T, and P.A.T. You’re welcome. : )

Do you have a favorite monogrammed product that I should add to my wish list? Do tell!

P.S: If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I spent last week in my favorite place (hence the unintended absence from my blog!), but I have tons of pictures to share on Friday. It’s going to be a fun week!